Metal credit cards are premium cards made from stainless steel, titanium, or other metals instead of plastic
A metal credit card is a physical card manufactured from metal rather than the standard plastic. The material is typically stainless steel, titanium, or a composite blend. The card functions identically to a plastic card — it carries the same chip, magnetic stripe, and account number — but costs the issuer more to produce and signals a higher tier of membership.
Metal cards are not a separate product category with different terms or rewards. They are a design choice that card issuers attach to premium tiers of existing cards. A metal card version of a rewards card earns the same cash back or points as its plastic counterpart. The difference is in the material, the annual fee tier, and sometimes the perks bundled with membership.
Not all premium cards are metal, and not all metal cards are premium. Some mid-tier cards now offer metal construction. The material itself does not determine the card's value — the rewards rate, annual fee, and cardholder benefits do.
Key Takeaways
- Metal cards are offered by most major issuers as part of premium card tiers, typically starting at annual fees of $300 or higher.
- The metal construction does not change the card's function or rewards rate; it is a design feature that reflects the issuer's positioning of the card as premium.
- Some metal cards are heavier and may not fit all card readers or wallets, so check the card's dimensions and weight before opening the account.
- Metal cards typically come with additional perks such as travel credits, concierge services, or lounge access that justify the higher annual fee.
Major issuers that offer metal credit cards
Chase offers metal versions of its premium cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve (annual fee $550) and the Chase Palladium Card (annual fee $695). Both cards are constructed from metal and come with travel credits and concierge services. The Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on travel and dining; the Palladium is a business card with similar earning rates.
American Express produces metal cards across multiple tiers. The Platinum Card (annual fee $695) is made from metal and includes Uber credits, airline fee credits, and lounge access. The Centurion Card (invitation-only, annual fee $10,000) is also metal and is one of the most exclusive consumer credit cards available. American Express also offers metal versions of mid-tier cards such as the Gold Card (annual fee $250).
Citi issues metal cards including the Citi Prestige (annual fee $495) and the Citi Executive (annual fee $450). Both cards include travel protections, concierge services, and airline or hotel credits. Capital One offers the Capital One Venture X (annual fee $395) in metal, which includes travel credits and lounge access.
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Discover also produce metal versions of premium cards, though the specific cards and fees vary by region and by the time you read this. Check directly with each issuer's website to see which cards currently come in metal.
What to consider before choosing a metal card
Metal cards are heavier than plastic and do not fit all card readers or wallets. Some older point-of-sale terminals may have trouble reading the card's chip or magnetic stripe. Test the card at a few merchants shortly after you receive it. If you travel internationally, metal cards can occasionally trigger fraud alerts because the material differs from what the reader expects; this is rare but worth knowing.
The annual fee is the primary cost. Most metal cards charge $300 to $695 per year. The card issuer typically includes credits — such as $100 toward airline fees or $50 toward dining — that offset part of the annual fee. Calculate whether the credits and rewards rate justify the cost for your spending pattern. If you do not travel frequently or spend heavily on dining, a metal card may not be worth the fee.
Metal cards often come with perks that are not available on plastic versions of the same card. These may include concierge services, airport lounge access, travel insurance, or purchase protection. Review the full benefits list before opening the account, because these perks are often the real value proposition beyond the rewards rate.
How metal cards compare to premium plastic cards
Many issuers offer both metal and plastic versions of the same card at different annual fee tiers. For example, American Express offers the Gold Card in both materials — the metal version costs $250 annually, while some older plastic versions may have lower fees. The rewards rate and core benefits are identical; the difference is the material and sometimes minor perks.
A metal card is not inherently better than a plastic premium card. The metal construction is a visual signal of status and a design choice, not a functional upgrade. If two cards offer the same rewards rate and annual fee, the choice between metal and plastic comes down to personal preference and whether the card fits your wallet and payment habits.
Some consumers prefer plastic because it is lighter, fits standard wallets, and works reliably with all card readers. Others value the weight and feel of metal as a symbol of the premium status they are paying for. Neither choice is objectively correct.
Metal card issuance and timing
When you open a metal credit card account, the card itself typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days. Metal cards take longer to produce than plastic, so expect a slightly longer wait than you would for a standard card. Some issuers allow you to use a temporary digital card or a plastic version while you wait for the metal card to arrive.
If your metal card is lost or stolen, replacement cards are also metal and follow the same production timeline. Keep this in mind if you need a card urgently; a plastic replacement may not be available as an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a metal credit card at all merchants?
Metal cards work at the vast majority of merchants, but some older card readers may have difficulty reading the chip or stripe. Test your card at a few different types of merchants shortly after you receive it. If you encounter problems, contact your card issuer — they can investigate whether the card itself is defective or whether the merchant's reader needs updating.
Do metal cards have different fraud protection than plastic cards?
No. The material does not affect fraud protection or security features. Metal and plastic versions of the same card from the same issuer carry identical fraud liability protections and zero-liability policies. The chip and security features work the same way regardless of the card's material.
Will a metal card fit in my wallet?
Most metal cards are the same size as plastic cards, but they are significantly heavier. Check the card's weight and dimensions on the issuer's website before opening the account. Some people find metal cards too heavy for standard wallets or prefer to carry them separately. A few issuers produce slightly thicker metal cards that may not fit slim wallets.
What happens if I cancel a metal card and reopen it later?
If you close a metal card account and reopen it within a few years, you will typically receive a plastic card on the new account unless you specifically request the metal version. Some issuers charge a fee to upgrade from plastic to metal after the account is open. Check the issuer's policy before closing an account if the metal card is important to you.
Are metal cards worth the annual fee?
That depends on your spending and whether you use the included credits and perks. Calculate the annual fee minus the value of credits you will actually use (such as airline fee credits or dining credits), then compare the remaining cost to the rewards you expect to earn. If the net cost is less than the value you receive, the card is worth it. If not, a lower-fee card may be a better choice.